Showing 150 items
matching measuring scales
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Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Rule, Scale, E. ESDAILE & SONS, 1942
A scale rule used by artillery units to measure distance between map co-ordinates on the 1 to 25,000 scale military map series. The rule is accurately machined from flat stainless steel strip and is stamped with Imperial measurements (thousands of yards) and metric measurements (thousands of metres).The rule is stamped with the following: "SCALE, ARTY, No 2, MKI, E.ESDAILE & SONS, D^D, 1942"artillery, rule, scale, imperial, metric, distance, world war 2, ww2, -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Scales - Educational - Mathematics
... / Simple Scale' Teaching aid to measure weight. mt beauty primary ...Teaching aid to measure weight.Plastic yellow base and T shaped stand. Stand can be lifted off base. Base is 'rectangular' with each side curving inwards. Apex of T has steel rod enabling the cross arm to move. Each end of arm has a hole with steel ring attached. Also in ring are the end of 3 chains hanging down and attached to white enamel plates.Embossed on upright 'Invicta / Simple Scale' mt beauty primary school, teaching aid, mathematics, scales -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Weights - 2 in Set
Used as a weight to measure goods in a store prior to the introduction of packaging.Imperial weight used to weigh goods prior to packaging.Cast iron solid bell shaped weight with a handle at the narrow end at the top. There is a large one and smaller one.Large one has 7 lb inscribed on the handle.weights. shop. store. scales. -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Weights - 3 in Set
These weights were used to measure goods in a shop or farm produce store.Historical: These weights were used prior to decimalisation and prior to packaging of goods.Solid cast iron brown weights with rim around the circumference. Embossed inside the rim at the top with the maker and weight. Slightly narrower at the base.4 lb / Crane F Co. / Wolverhampton 2 lbs / Imperial / Standard 1 lb / Imperial / Standardweights. store. shop. scales. -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Scales - Tawonga Store
These scales were used in the Tawonga Store which opened c1920. They were used to weigh produce e.g.. flour & wheat that the farmers used on their farms and in their homes. These scales pre date packaging. Ref. Weights KVHS 0800 (A)The Tawonga Store opened c1920 and sold goods and produce to the farmers of the Kiewa Valley. The scales were a necessary item for a store as goods were sold in bulk. Large steel dirty black platform attached at the middle of the back to a red cylinder which has 2 smaller platforms coming out to the side. The top platform has a black steel lever attached and a hook to hold it down. Below this platform is a measuring rod marked 2,4 etc up to 14 on which hangs a eight. The bottom platform is to rest the unused weights. Weights ref. KVHS 0800 (A)W. & T. Avery Birminghamscales. weights. tawonga store. farm produce. -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Scales - Medical
... for the working of a horizontal scale which has a metal measuring ruler (7 ...The scales were used either at the Tawonga District Hospital or Mt Beauty Medical Centre for weighing a child or small person when standing on the platform. Weights were moved along a rod to balance the person to determine his/her weight.These manual scales were used by doctors to weigh and measure the heights of young patients in the Kiewa Valley and were a necessary piece of equipment to check the health of their patients.Cream metal with height in inches measuring steel rod attached to cylinder. At the top of the cylinder it is hollow for the working of a horizontal scale which has a metal measuring ruler (7 inches) at the end of which is a thin rod hooked on with a round disc at the bottom. At floor level is a platform on a spring on which a child can stand. The stand is surrounded on 3 sides with a thin frame to prevent falling off. The height scale has a thin stainless steel arm with a round plate attached to put on top of the child's head for measuring height."Melbourne Scale 60"scales. mt beauty medical centre. tawonga district hospital. weighing people. medical equipment -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Scales - Baby
These scales may have been used by the Maternal Infant Welfare Centre sister at Mt Beauty during regular check ups of babies to make sure that the babies were gaining weight and therefore healthy.During the 1950's, Mt Beauty's population was rapidly increasing due to the post war baby boom and because the work force was young having moved into the area because of the opportunity for work on the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. Letter dated 2nd July 1994 thanking the CWA, Tawonga Branch for their donation of the baby scales that were used by the baby Health Centre.White cast metal rectangular base with rectangular box attached in centre. The box has a curved top and a round face at the front. The face is covered with clear glass protecting the black marks which measure pounds and ounces. The numbers face the outside of the circumference. A black metal pointer rotates from the centre. At the top of the box in the centre a metal rod protrudes with a rectangular steel base on top and 4 screws for the container to hold the baby. The rod is attached to a spring and moves up and down moving the pointer.Face of scales "Hughes" / Baby Weigher / No. 48B" "To weigh 20lb by 1 oz / British Made" "Salter" written above its logo Numbers are written facing outside.baby scales. maternal infant welfare centre. mt beauty. healthy babies. -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Scales, "Circa 1863"
... Street Learmonth goldfields Scales To measure precise weights ...This set of scales would have been used to check the acuracy of Weights and Measures.Where it was used is unknown, but it may have always been part of the Shire.The maker was J.D.Potter,Poultry,London Middlesex,U.K. One of several sets of scales of various sizes in collection of Learmonth And District Historical Society Inc.To measure precise weights,the instruments used were a set of precise balanced scales. Set on a wooden box,( which would have contained the weights).It is made of brass and has a brass beam balance,steel pointer with index and twin pans. Date 25/1/1865.Various hallmarks similar to "jewellers".tools, and, scales, weights, measures, potter london, measuring devices -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Scales, Circa 19th Century
These scales were possibly used by the former Shire of Ballarat to weigh letters and other small items.A means by which articles of the day were weighed.Medium size set of scales,Brass weighing pans on a beam balance with pointer.The base is wood with inserts to hold weights.niltools.scales.measuring device. weights and measures -
Orbost & District Historical Society
weights, C 1920
Many Orbost babies were weighed on scales using these weights. Used in early 1930's.The early 20th century saw an emphasis in Australia on the reforming of mothering practices. There was a desire to improve infant mortality rates and produce healthy, well-adjusted citizens.Government organisations, in particular hospitals and baby clinics. encouraged mothers to measure their babies and regulate their feeding patterns. By the 1930s most mothers had been influenced to a greater or less extent by these new approaches to infant care. These weights are representative of that period.Two steel circular 10lb weights used with 106.1 scales used to weigh babies at Orbost Hospital. Gold painted. 10 lbs in relief on top of each weight.weights instruments-weighing orbost-hospital nursing -
Orbost & District Historical Society
scales, c. 19th century
... -measure hanging-scales ...Possibly used in a shop or as a travelling set of scales for a hawker.This item is an example of an early device used for measurement.A set of hanging scales. Two copper containers are suspended one from each end of a beam. In the centre of the beam is a hanging rod to the top and a pointer at the bottom.A number of scroll designs are imprinted into the beam. scales weight-measure hanging-scales -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Metal Uniform Embellishments of the Australian Army Post 1953 Volume 1 - Insignia for Corps and Schools, 2017
This 236 page, full-colour hard copy reference work, catalogues the metal insignia embellishments used by all Corps and Schools of the Australian Army (including philanthropic organisations), from 1953 through to the present. The book provides images of the front and the back of a given (metal) insignia set for each Corps etc. Each image set depicts the relevant hat badge, collar badges and epaulette title and/or cloth shoulder title applicable. The book's images record three distinctly different 'generations' of insignia manufacturing methods/types, including the: gilt brass and white metal items used in the 1953 to 1964 period; and anodised aluminium 'StayBright' insignia introduced as from 1964[ and 'BriteShine' insignia introduced with effect from 1997 (running through to the present). The full colour photographic images in the book are complimented by written descriptions which cite each item's distinguishing characteristics... including measures of: typical weight, height, width and thickness (at a given point). A discussion of copies and faked items is also provided, including microscope resolution images of 'tell tale' signs to look for. The entries in the book are organised alphabetically and match those used in the Authors' 614 page eBook version of this work (the eBook is a separate edition which provides scalable images of all relevant insignia and many manufacturing variants).The hard copy and electronic editions of this work are able to be used either separately or concurrently, as and when users require. Regards Mark Corcoran & Arthur Butler The Authors charlibravobooks.com Re: Copyright As the original authors we hold the sole copyright authority to sell this work. This item does not infringe on any copyright, trademark and/or intellectual property rights and we hold specific written publication approval from the Australian Defence Force. Soft cover, spiral bound 235 pagesaustralian army, post ww2 insignia -
Emerald Museum & Nobelius Heritage Park
Orchadist Scales, Donated by Frank Eckerman (Emerald)
Used in orchards by Harry Shaw (Orchardist in Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley near cnr Highbury Road) Orchard was sold in 1950. Later used on poultry farm in Forest Hills.Body of scales: brass plate inscribed - Salter Pocket Balance, made in England. No.3. To weigh 50LB. Slide measure 0 to 50. Pattern at top: twisted rope with arrow through middle. Reverse side: green painted metal. Hanging metal ring at top end and metal hook at lower end. Salter Pocket Balance, Made in England. No.3. To weigh 50LB. -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Household, Scales - Grain tester, Early 20th century
This grain scale tester was used to work out the percentage weight of a sack of grain after the grain husk, dust and dirt were removed, thereby allowing for the calculation of the true value of the sack. The parts were attached to the box via the screw on top of the box and the cleaned grain went into the funnel to measure a fixed grain amount, before being released from the bottom of the funnel into the barrel which was then hung on the end of the scale. The weight was then slid down the graduated ruler until the scale balanced. Grain scale testers would have been used in farming in the Western District in the past and similar objects may still be in use. This grain scale tester is retained as a good example of an agricultural item from the past.This is a grain tester scale in a wooden box. .1 The wooden box has two metal hinges and wooden inserts inside with blue felt on the tops of the inserts. The box has a metal plaque on the lid and a round metal hole section for inserting a piece of equipment. .2 This is a metal flask on a stand. Part of it is rusty. .3 This is small metal cylinder with a lid. .4 This is a metal bar with measurements, a hook at the top and a slide or weight fitting on to the bar. .5 This is a small metal screw. ‘Lbs per bushel’ ‘Australian Manufacture by Australasian Scale Co. Ltd., Thomas Street, Sydney N.S.W.’ agricultural instruments, history of warrnambool, grain scale tester -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Scales
Scales such as these were used to measure commercial quantities possibly grains and farm produce for quite large amounts of product.Bags of the product would have been hooked up and weighed. Salter has been a name long associated with weights and measures. Salters had their beginnings in England in the 1760's with a background in springs which are a main component of many scales. The actual mechanism for weighing objects in such scales has remained similar for over two centuries.These scales would have been a common item in most commercial operations which bought and sold items in bulk and have historical and scientific significance.Cast iron frame with circular brass face painted black.. There is a round metal ring at the top which runs through a circular metal section of the frame. A hook is attached to the bottom of the frame through a similar metal circle. The brass face has graduated markings in 1 lbs increments up to 150 lbs. On top section of scale face:Salter's Spring Balance. British Made. On lower section of scales face:To weigh 150 lb. Salter trademark of rope and anchor. warrnambool, salter scales, commercial scales, spring balance scales -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Baby Scales, Artefact, 1940s
This set of baby scales is believed to have been used in a Baby Health Centre in Warrnambool. The first Baby Health Centre in Warrnambool was opened in Liebig Street in October 1921. It was initially run by Sister Riley. The development of Baby Health Centres in Victoria was largely due to the work of Dr Isabella Younger-Ross (1887-1956). She was born in Warrnambool to Henrietta and John Younger (the Younger department store operated in Liebig Street Warrnambool for over 60 years). Isabella Younger Ross studied medicine in Melbourne and Glasgow and she was a prominent worker in the field of maternal and infant welfare for over 40 years. These scales are retained as an example of the type of equipment used in baby health centres in the early to mid 20th century. It will be useful for display.This is a metal set of scales with a rectangular base tapering at one end. At the top is attached a metal receptacle for holding a baby and underneath this on top of the base is the scale mechanism with a metal measuring device. The item is painted yellow and green but the paint is well rusted and peeling in places. 15 lb.warrnambool baby health centres, dr isabella younger-ross -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Scales, Early 20th century
These scales would have been used for weighing small items (e.g. letters and packages) in a home or business. These scales have no known local provenance but are retained for display purposes.1 The beam balance scales have a brown wooden rectangular base with four metal screws and indents for weights. The scale mechanism has a round metal dish for weights and a rectangular metal dish to hold the object to be weighed. .2 A circular metal weight 8 oz. .3 A circular metal weight 4 oz. .4 A circular metal weight 2 oz. .5 A circular metal weight 1 oz. .6 A circular metal weight ½ oz. .7 A circular metal weight with a smaller top for ease of holding ½ oz. .8 A circular metal weight 4 drams .2 8 oz. .3 4 oz .4 2 oz. .5 1 oz. .6 ½ oz. .7 ½ oz. .8 4 drams weights and measures, history of warrnambool -
Yarrawonga and Mulwala Pioneer Museum
Baby weighing scales, Seca
... the scales with instructions for using the scales. Ounce measures 0 ...Cream painted stand with a moving sprung table top attached. On top of the table sits a woven cane basket with a wooden base. The top edge of the basket is is plaited cane and painted gold. The other cane is painted white. It is lined with a piece of white towelling on which the baby would lie. Attached on the side of the base is a notched metal bar which has a sliding metal weight so the bar will balance. It is marked with 2, 4, 6, 8 etc up to 30 lb and a smaller upper bar measures ounces. There is a framed pamphlet hanging above the scales with instructions for using the scales.Ounce measures 0, 4, 8, 12, 1 (pound) Made in Germany 24767. Triangle shape with the word Seca inside -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Water Wheel Accuracy Tester, Late 1900s
Used by State Rivers and Water Supply Commission prior to their privatisation about 1990.A clear tube with sand inside - similar to an egg timer. Used to measure the accuracy of water wheels over a half minute or less. Measurements marked on outside and related to one revolution. The blue scales relate to small meter outlets(wheels), yellow scales related to large meter outlets(wheels).Figures of rates relating to measurement of water in one revolution.irrigation, victoria state rivers and water supply commission, water wheel -
National Wool Museum
Tool - Drench Gun, 1940-1950
There are several different designs of drench guns within the NWM Collection that show the change in their development over time. On the left side of this gun white paint indicates the adjustable dose lever. It is a sliding scale from 10 to 0 cubic centimetres of liquid (now typical measure in millilitres). It also has a small and straight tip suggesting this gun was typically used for dosing Lambs as opposed to ewes. The manual adjuster helped to minimise cases of overdosing which can be fatal for livestock while the additional curvature helped to ensure the liquid reached the desired location within the sheep’s mouth. This desired location is on the left rear of the sheep’s tongue (from the sheep’s point of view) as this is where the oesophagus is located. The main risks are that drench may be delivered into the lungs via the trachea or “windpipe”, which can also prove fatal. The opening to the trachea which leads to the lungs is in the middle of the back of the throat. Another risk is the throat can also be damaged due to rough handling.Silver metal with black finishing drench gun. Straight tip on gun protrudes from the body which feature a thin squeezable trigger to the front of the body. The main bulk, which the trigger is squeezed towards has silver cylinder on top of the handle where tubing carrying the liquid drench into the gun attaches. The small section of tubing still attached has a yellow/orange appearance from remanence of drench which would have been this colour.sheep drenching, veterinary instruments -
National Wool Museum
Tool - Drench Gun, 1940-1950
There are several different designs of drench guns within the NWM Collection that show the change in their development over time. On the left side of this gun white paint indicates the adjustable dose lever. It is a sliding scale from 10 to 0 cubic centimetres of liquid (now typical measure in millilitres). It also has a large diameter curvature suggesting this gun was typically used for dosing ewes as opposed to lambs. The manual adjuster helped to minimise cases of overdosing which can be fatal for livestock while the additional curvature helped to ensure the liquid reached the desired location within the sheep’s mouth. This desired location is on the left rear of the sheep’s tongue (from the sheep’s point of view) as this is where the oesophagus is located. The main risks are that drench may be delivered into the lungs via the trachea or “windpipe”, which can also prove fatal. The opening to the trachea which leads to the lungs is in the middle of the back of the throat. Another risk is the throat can also be damaged due to rough handling.Silver metal with black finishing drench gun. Large curvature tip on gun protrudes from the body which feature a thin squeezable trigger to the front of the body. The main bulk, which the trigger is squeezed towards, has badge which reads “Manufactured and designed by N.J. Phillips Pty Ltd, Sydney”. Behind this body is silver tubing featuring attachment point for the tubing which would have carried the liquid drench into the gun. The small section of tubing still attached has a yellow/orange appearance from remanence of drench which would have been this colour.Left lettering: 10CC 5CC 0/ 7.5 2.5/ Left rotated lettering: MANUFACTURED/ & DESIGNED BY/ N.J.PHILLIPS PTY. LTD./ SYDNEY . AUSTRALIA/sheep drenching, veterinary instruments -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Memorabilia - Realia, White enameled 20 lb capacity counter scales. Shire of Stawell Weights & Measures
White enameled 20 lb capacity counter scales used for trade in grocery or general store stawell, standards -
National Wool Museum
Instrument - Scales, 1880-1898
At the time of sale, the last of the Hirst family to work in the mill located in Geelong gave Donald (donor Bruce's father) Doherty a set of scales that had been used by several generations of Hirsts and adapted by them over time for specific use in their mill. These Scales were saved from waste and being thrown away at the time of sale to remain in use in the industry in the hands of someone who knew how to use them. The scales were used in calculating the weight of cloth and simultaneously calculating the amount of yarn required to weave it following the instructions printed within the box. The box bears the signatures of two Hirst family members, one being Lewis Hirst dated at 1898. The original brass pole has been replaced with a replica metal somewhere throughout the years after the brass pole broke through use. Hirst was brought by McKendrick in the 1960s and these scales sat for 12 months as part of the 12 month "cooling off" period. The scales were then handed to Donald rather than being disposed of.Scales used for weighing and calculating weight and thread count of textile samples. Originated from Godfrey Hirst Mills in Geelong. Writing describes how to utilise scales. Scales are made from brass, pole for holding scales once brass now replaced with metal pole. Scales held inside wooden box with black text in ink depicting use of scales on paper located inside and outside of box.Outside of box. Wording: APPARTUS for TESTING the WEIGHT per YARD of CLOTHS & COUNT of YARN from a small SAMPLE. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indispensable to Manufactures, Merchants & handling Woollen, Worsted, Cotton, Linen, Jute, Hemp, Flannel, Felt, Army, Navy, Police, Railway, Sail & other Cloths -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USED IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The apparatus consists of Scales, Weights, 1, 2 & 4 sq. inch Cutting Templates & Book of Tables --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------By weighing a small Sample the accurate Weight in Ounces of a yard of Cloth any width from 18 to 64 inches, the Weight per Square Metre in Grams, the Counts* of Warp and Weft, and the approximate length of full & short ends of pieces of fabrics, [without unrolling and measuring for stocktaking & other purposes] can be ascertained without any Calculation --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Price in United Kingdom, 25s., Carriage Paid. Price to Canada & U.S.A. $6.75 do. H. Lord. 10, And Place, Bradford, England. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*When ordering, state on what system you base your YARN COUNTS. Inside of box. Wording: DIRECTIONS FOR USE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TESTING WEIGHT OF CLOTHS. Place sample to be tested on a piece of cardboard, put a Cutting Template on it, cut card and cloth round template with scissors and weigh it according to instructions given in Book of Tables. TESTING FOR YARN COUNTS. Cut out 1 square inch of cloth, draw out wrap or weft threads, according to which is being tested, and the number of inches so drawn, that balance respective weight is the approximate Count. The same rule holds good when number of inches are drawn from a bobbin. In testing from the cloth, allowance has to be made for loss or gain in the process of manufacture. Weight marked C is for Cotton Counts " " W " " Worsted " " " WS " " Woollen Skeins " " L " " Linen Counts. The weights for testing samples of cloth are 20, 10, 10, 5, 3, 2, 1, grains in brass & '5, '3, '2, '1 [tenths of a grain] in aluminium. Inside of box. Signtures, handwritten: Bottom right: Lewis Hirst !898 Top Left (Smudge ?) W Hirst !935godfrey hirst, hirst family, textile design, textile creation -
Puffing Billy Railway
Platform Scales, Avery
Averys Ltd was the holding company for the 32 operating companies in the Avery Group. The Group's main activity was the design, manufacture, sale and servicing of a wide range of weighing machines, physical testing machines and fluid measuring equipment. The company's history can be traced back to 1730, with the manufacturing by hand of steelyards and beam scales in a small workshop in Birmingham. When legislation was introduced at the turn of the century requiring the stamping of all weighing machines used for trade Avery branches were set up in some 100 towns in the United Kingdom. This was the beginning of the sales and service organisation that expanded to cover not only every important town in the United Kingdom but was also established in many overseas countries. Historic - Railway Platform Scales Avery Platform Scales - Iron and glassavery scales, puffing billy, platform scales, scales -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Scale, 1900-1930
... to jewellers and postal workers. Known as an unequal arm balance scale... to jewellers and postal workers. Known as an unequal arm balance scale ...The basic balance scale has been around for thousands of years and its accuracy has improved dramatically over the last several centuries, the principle behind this tool remains unchanged. Its parts include a fulcrum, a beam that balances on it, a pan at the end of the beam to hold the materials to be weighed, and a flat platform at the other for the counter-balancing weights. Balance scales that require equal weights on each side of the fulcrum have been used by everyone from apothecaries and assayers to jewellers and postal workers. Known as an unequal arm balance scale, this variety builds the counterweight into the device. Counter scales used in dry-goods stores and domestic kitchens often featured Japanned or (blackened) cast iron with bronze trims. Made by companies such as Howe and Fairbanks, the footed tin pans of these scales were often oblong, some encircled at one end so bulk items could be easily poured into a bag. Seamless pans were typically stamped from brass and given style names like Snuff (the smallest) and Birmingham (the largest). Some counter scales were designed for measuring spices, others for weighing slices of cake. In the 18th century, spring scales began to appear and would use the resistance of spring to calculate weights, which are read automatically on the scale’s face. The ease of use of spring scales over balance scales. These scales are significant as they identify one of the basic preparation items for the weighing of foodstuff in the family kitchen to prepare everyday meals. This item is significant as it gives a snapshot into domestic life within the average home in Australia around the turn of the twentieth century and is, therefore, an item with social relevance. Black cast iron, medium weighing scales, with a fulcrum which the beam that balances on, there is a scoop or large bowl at one end for the material to be weighted and a flat platform at the other end that holds the weights. Around the cast iron base is an embossed strip weight and bowl missing.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Octant, Mid to late 19th Century
An octant is an astronomical instrument used in measuring the angles of heavenly bodies such as the sun, moon and stars at sea in relation to the horizon. This measurement could then be used to calculate the altitude of the body measured, and then the latitude at sea could also be calculated. The angle of the arms of an octant is 45 degrees, or 1/8 of a circle, which gives the instrument its name. Two men independently developed the octant around 1730: John Hadley (1682–1744), an English mathematician, and Thomas Godfrey (1704–1749), a glazier in Philadelphia. While both have a legitimate and equal claim to the invention, Hadley generally gets the greater share of the credit. This reflects the central role that London and the Royal Society played in the history of scientific instruments in the eighteenth and nineteenth century's. There were also two others who are attributed to having created octanes during this period, Caleb Smith, an English insurance broker with a strong interest in astronomy (in 1734), and Jean-Paul Fouchy, a mathematics professor and astronomer in France (in 1732) In 1767 the first edition of the Nautical Almanac tabulated lunar distances, enabling navigators to find the current time from the angle between the sun and the moon. This angle is sometimes larger than 90°, and thus not possible to measure with an octant. For that reason, Admiral John Campbell, who conducted shipboard experiments with the lunar distance method, suggested a larger instrument and the sextant was developed. From that time onward, the sextant was the instrument that experienced significant development and improvements and was the instrument of choice for naval navigators. The octant continued to be produced well into the 19th century, though it was generally a less accurate and less expensive instrument. The lower price of the octant, including versions without a telescope, made it a practical instrument for ships in the merchant and fishing fleets. One common practice among navigators up to the late nineteenth century was to use both a sextant and an octant. The sextant was used with great care and only for lunar sightings while the octant was used for routine meridional altitude measurements of the sun every day. This protected the very accurate and pricier sextant while using the more affordable octant for general use where it performs well. The invention of the octant was a significant step in providing accuracy of a sailors latitude position at sea and his vessels distance from land when taking sightings of land-based landmarks.Octant with metal handle, three different colored shades are attached, in wooden wedge-shaped box lined with green felt. Key is attached. Two telescope eyepieces are in box. Some parts are missing. Oval ink stamp inside lid of box, scale is graduated to 45 degrees. Ink stamp inside lid of box "SHIPLOVERS SOCIETY OF VICTORIA. LIBRARY"instrument, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, octant, navigation, nautical instrument, navigation instrument, john hadley, sextant, astronomical instrument -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Letter Scale, Late 19th Century
Before 1851, letters sent through the mail were charged by the number of sheets it contained and the distance it travelled. For example, a letter consisting of one sheet of paper was charged the single rate; a double letter, that is two sheets, was charged double the single rate, a treble letter, was charged three times the single rate, and so on. In other words, each additional sheet of paper increased the charge by one rate. In Great Britain. Sealing a letter in an envelope effectively put an end to postal clerks' ability to count the number of sheets in a letter and an alternative method of determining the postage had to be found. Overweight mailings had previously required the items to be weighed but with the introduction of the Uniform Penny Postage act of 1839, the public could mail a letter not exceeding a half-ounce in weight within the United Kingdom for one penny if prepaid, or two pence if paid on delivery. At about the same time that the adhesive postage stamps and envelopes made their appearance, postal administrations began to experiment with strategically placed street letter boxes, known as pillar boxes because of their round, pillar-like shape, that permitted the public to mail letters from a place other than from a post office. For all these reasons, the use of postal scales became the nucleus of every post office. Scales had been in use since ancient Egyptian times so their use for everyday commerce was not unusual in the 1800s. What was new in 1840 was their ubiquitous use throughout the postal system. No post office could function effectively without one. Although the earliest scales used in post offices did not differ markedly from the ones in general use as time went on they were adapted specifically for postal use. For example, a paper sleeve, also known as a weight sticker, was attached that showed the applicable rate of postage for any given weight. This innovation was quite a time saver as postal clerks no longer needed to weigh the item first and then refer to a separate chart to determine the required postage for that particular weight. Victorian postal scales were used in village Post offices in the late 19th century, of which there are many examples today for sale. No maker can be attributed to the manufacture of the item. Postal scales with weights,. Balance scale has brass fittings and is mounted on a rectangular wooden stand, with depressions for brass weights; which measure 1/2oz, 1oz, 2oz, "Young Aton REL., C.N.0.9."flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, scales and weights, balancing scales, postal scales, letter scale -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Dividers, Early 20th Century
Dividers are used by navigators to measure the distance between two points on a map or chart. Each point of the divider is places on a map point, then the distance between the points of the divider is measured against the scale of the chart or map. This helps determine the ship's path of travel, the distance travelled and the current location.Not very significant as not associated with any historical event or person, same pattern of dividers is available today from many retail outlets. Also item was probably made around 1940s to 1950sDividers; brass navigator's dividers with fine, stainless steel points. Made in Britain by W & H C (inscription). This navigational tool is used by a ship's navigator to mark the ship's position. Each end point of the divider is placed on a position on a chart or map, then the length between the points of the divider is measured on the chart's scale.Inscribed "British Made" and "W & H C". flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, navigational dividers, navigational tool, dividers made by w & hc, w & hc britain -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Platform Scales, Thaddeus Fairbanks, 1880-1910
... built a set of scales that would measure large loads of hemp.... Johnsbury Hemp Company. He also built a set of scales that would ...Thaddeus Fairbanks (1796 –1886) was an American inventor. of heating and cook stoves, cast iron ploughs, and other items. His greatest success was the invention and manufacture of the platform scale, which allowed the weighing of large objects accurately. Fairbanks was born in Brimfield, Massachusetts, on January 17, 1796, the son of Joseph Fairbanks (1763–1846) and Phebe (Paddock) Fairbanks (1760–1853). His uncle was Ephraim Paddock, the brother of Phebe Paddock. In 1815 he moved to St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and set up a wheelwright's shop above his father's gristmill. In 1820 he married Lucy Peck Barker and In 1824 he built an iron foundry. his brother Erastus joined him to establish E. and T. Fairbanks, a partnership to manufacture heating stoves, cast iron ploughs a design for which he patented in 1826. In 1830 Fairbanks and Erastus became interested in the raising and processing of hemp. Fairbanks went on to patent a hemp and flax dressing machine and became the manager of the St. Johnsbury Hemp Company. He also built a set of scales that would measure large loads of hemp accurately, as there were no reliable scales at the time. Upon the success of building these scales, his brothers recommended that he make and sell these for general use. Fairbanks' most famous invention then became the platform scale for weighing heavy objects. These are commonly known as the Fairbanks Scales, for which he patented his original design in 1830. Before this time, accurate weighing of objects required hanging them from a balancing beam as a result, particularly heavy or ungainly objects could not be weighed accurately. A platform scale, if large enough, could weigh an entire wagon. By placing a full wagon on the scale, unloading it, and then placing it on the scale when empty, it became possible to easily and accurately calculate the weight and value of farm produce and other loads. In 1834 Fairbanks and his brother formed "E. and T. Fairbanks and Company" to manufacture and sell these platform scales. These scales were well known in the United States and around the world resulting in the company doubling in volume every three years from 1842 to 1857. There was a temporary slow down during the American Civil War, however, the business took off again after the war. Their partnership was incorporated in 1874 into a firm known as "Fairbanks Scale Company". These platform scales revolutionized weighing methods of large loads and have been in use ever since. Portable platform scales are found in almost every hardware store, physician's office, and manufacturing factory throughout the United States and the world. The first railway track platform scale patent was granted to Fairbanks on January 13, 1857, as Patent No. 16,381. In 1916 the company was purchased by ”Fairbanks, Morse and Company”. Ownership of the company has since changed several times, but Fairbanks Scales continue to be made in St. Johnsbury Vermont to this day. Fairbanks had received 43 patents in his lifetime with the last one at the age of 91. He died on April 12, 1886, and is buried at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. An early example circa 1900 of the first type of platform scales used in a grocery store. This design for accurately measuring goods that were sold over the counter revolutionised the weighing of goods throughout the world. Platform scale metal black with removable tray & pan. Has horizontal brass arm with a brass slide weight black removable weight hook and 2 x 2 lb. weights. Fairbanksflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Letter Scale, 1920s to 1960s
This scale was owned by Dr Angus, whose training and experience included chemistry and pharmacy. This is a sliding balance scale. The object to be weighed, such as a letter or a dose of medicine, is placed on the square metal plate and the weight, the slider, is moved along the notched metal arm and adjusted until the arm is horizontal, then reading is recorded of the figure the pointer on the slider is positioned. This design of small is often referred to as a letter scale. This item was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the family of Doctor William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” that includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material once belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) as well as Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969.The scale is significant as an example of 20th century measuring and weighing equipment. It is also important for its association with the W.R. Angus Collection, which is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The collection of medical instruments and other equipment is culturally significant, being a historical example of medicine, administration, household equipment and clothing from the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries. Dr Angus assisted Dr Tom Ryan, a pioneer in the use of X-rays and in ocular surgery. Scale; a small sliding balance letter scale. The scale has a flat metal platform and a toothed metal balance arm with cylindrical brass weight. These are attached to a decorative metal stand that is mounted onto a shaped lacquered black wooden base. The sliding weight causes the arm to pivot on the stand. The arm is marked into equal-length segments from 0 to 8. Each segment is marked into halves. There is no maker’s mark. The scale is part of the W.R. Angus Collection.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, dr w r angus, letter scale, postal scale, balance scale, single arm scale, chemist scale, pharmacy scale, office equipment, retail equipment, sales equipment, measuring instrument, weighing instrument, technical instrument, medications, w.r. angus collection